Integrated Breakable Membrane Connector for Dialysis Fluid Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for extracorporeal fluid lines are costly to produce, complicated to ready for use, and risk contamination due to easily reclosable closure elements that cannot ensure the fluid line has not been previously opened, leading to potential external contamination.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a closure element that opens inwardly upon external force, allowing for simplified connection to external elements and ensuring the fluid line is sealed, featuring a breakable or elastically deformable design that provides a visual signal of first-time opening, reducing production costs and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate closure element is used to seal the fluid line, then the fluid line can be sealed and protected from contamination, but the production cost and complexity increase due to separate manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is integrated into the connector body as a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of the closure element. The connector body (70) is provided with an integrated closure element (74) that is openable towards the inside, creating a unified structure that reduces production steps and assembly complexity while maintaining sealing functionality.
2Reliability
If a removable plug closure is used, then the fluid line can be sealed for hygiene and security, but the preparation process becomes more complicated requiring removal before use
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to be automatically opened during the connection process itself. When the projection (80) of the male Luer connector is inserted into the female Luer connector (73), it directly acts on the closure element to open it. This eliminates the separate step of manually removing a plug, as the connection action itself performs the opening function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an easily reclosable closure element is used, then the closure can be removed and reapplied, but the risk of contamination increases as it cannot signal previous opening
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element incorporates a visual indicator system that changes state upon opening. The indicator (78) is arranged to be visible from the outside and provides visual information about the opening status of the closure element. This allows operators to verify whether the closure has been opened, preventing use of potentially contaminated fluid lines while maintaining the ability to reclose.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the preparation of extracorporeal circuits, reduces production costs, and minimizes contamination risks by ensuring the fluid line is sealed during use and providing a clear indication of first-time opening.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a breakable or elastically deformable design that provides a visual signal of first-time opening
Implementation Method 2
The closure element may comprise a breakable body which exhibits at least one easy-break zone
Data Source
AI summary
The connector for a fluid line of an extracorporeal circuit comprises a tubular body which internally defines a fluid passage, a first connection port predisposed for coupling to the fluid line, a second connection port predisposed for coupling to a male Luer connector borne by an external element, and a closure element of the second connection port. The closure element is formed of a breakable membrane made in a single piece with the tubular body. On coupling, the membrane is broken by the truncoconical projection of the male Luer connector. The connector connects a service line of an extracorporeal circuit to a pressure sensor of a dialysis machine.